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Ultimate Creamy Smoky Garlic Prawn Pasta

Annie, Healthy Food by Annie
Rich, creamy, smoky, and beautifully balanced, this quick prawn pasta combines juicy prawns, colourful cherry tomatoes, garlic, warm herbs, and a velvety tomato cream sauce. Cream cheese, thickened cream, tomato paste, cheddar, and mozzarella create a luxurious flour-free sauce that coats every strand beautifully. Ready in about 20 to 25 minutes, it is perfect for an easy family dinner or relaxed weekend gathering.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course High Protein Dinner or Lunch, Italian-Inspired, Low-Carb Sauce, Naturally Gluten-Free Sauce
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Low Carb Option
Servings 4
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 250 g linguine or your favourite long pasta including gluten-free or low-carb pasta

For the Prawns

  • 400 g large raw prawns approximately 22 prawns, peeled and deveined with tails left on
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Smoky Tomato Sauce

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 350 g red and yellow cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 150 g cream cheese
  • 1 cup thickened cream 250 g
  • 2 tbsp good-quality thick tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • ¼ tsp chilli flakes
  • ¼ cup mixed grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese 30 g
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil.
    Add the linguine and cook according to the packet instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
    While the pasta is cooking, begin preparing the prawns and creamy smoky sauce so everything is ready at almost the same time.
    Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside briefly. Do not add pasta water to the sauce.
  • Season the Prawns
    Place the prawns in a bowl.
    Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, then gently toss until evenly coated.
  • Quickly Sear the Prawns
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    Add the seasoned prawns and sear for approximately 30 seconds on each side.
    Remove the prawns from the skillet and set them aside. They are only lightly seared at this stage and will finish cooking gently in the sauce later. This helps keep them soft, plump, and juicy.
  • Build the Smoky Garlic Tomato Base
    Reduce the heat to medium.
    Add the crushed garlic to the same skillet and cook briefly until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
    Add the cherry tomatoes and gently stir without crushing or mashing them.
    Add the cream cheese, tomato paste, remaining smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, rosemary, chilli flakes, and salt.
    Stir and cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to soften and the tomato paste, garlic, and herbs to deepen in flavour.
  • Make the Creamy Sauce
    Pour in the thickened cream and stir gently until the cream cheese melts into the sauce.
    Allow the sauce to simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until smooth, velvety, and slightly thickened.
    Keep the heat gentle so the cream remains smooth and does not separate.
  • Add the Cheese
    Sprinkle in the grated cheddar and mozzarella.
    Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes rich, creamy, and beautifully smooth.
  • Add the Pasta and Prawns
    Return the prawns to the skillet, then add the drained linguine.
    Gently toss until every strand of pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy smoky tomato sauce.
    Cook everything together for approximately 1 minute, or until the prawns are just cooked through and the pasta is well combined with the sauce.
    Avoid cooking the prawns for too long so they remain tender and juicy.
  • Serve and Enjoy
    Serve immediately while the sauce is warm, creamy, and velvety.
    Divide the pasta between serving bowls and arrange the colourful cherry tomatoes and juicy prawns evenly over each serving.

Notes

Notes
  1. Use your favourite regular, certified gluten-free, low-carb, or keto-friendly long pasta.
  2. The creamy smoky prawn sauce is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and made without flour. The complete dish will depend on the pasta you choose.
  3. Do not add pasta water. This sauce is designed to stay rich, thick, creamy, and velvety.
  4. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
  5. The prawns are intentionally only lightly seared at the beginning. They finish cooking in the sauce, which helps prevent them from becoming dry or rubbery.
  6. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer after adding the cream. Avoid boiling it rapidly.
  7. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  8. Reheat gently over low heat until warmed through. Avoid overheating because the prawns can become tough and the cream sauce may separate.

 

Nutrition Facts per Serving, with Low-Carb Pasta:

Nutrition per serving: 1 of 4 servings, Calories: 720 kcal, Protein: 40 g, Carbohydrate: 23 g, Net Carb: 15 g, Sugars: 6 g, Fat: 48 g, Saturated Fat: 25 g, Fiber: 8 g, Sodium: 315 mg
 

Nutrition Facts per Serving, Without Pasta:

Nutrition per serving: 1 of 4 servings, Calories: 570 kcal, Protein: 27 g, Carbohydrate: 10 g, Net Carb: 8 g, Sugars:6 g, Fat: 48 g, Saturated Fat: 25 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sodium: 315 mg
 

Nutrition Facts Notes:

✔️ High in protein: Juicy prawns provide lean, high-quality protein, making this a satisfying meal that supports muscle maintenance and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
✔️ Lower-carb option: Using low-carb pasta significantly reduces the net carbohydrate content compared to traditional pasta while adding extra fibre and, depending on the brand, additional protein.
✔️ Rich and creamy: Cream cheese, thickened cream and a small amount of cheese create a smooth, velvety sauce with a luxurious restaurant-style texture.
✔️ Made with wholesome ingredients: Fresh prawns, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and dried herbs come together to create a flavour-packed sauce using simple ingredients.
✔️ Healthy fats: Extra virgin olive oil provides heart-friendly monounsaturated fats, while the dairy ingredients add richness and help make the meal more satisfying.
✔️ Tomato-rich sauce: Cherry tomatoes and tomato paste naturally provide lycopene, vitamin C and antioxidants while adding sweetness and depth of flavour.
✔️ Gluten-free adaptable: This recipe can easily be made gluten free by using certified gluten-free pasta and checking that all packaged ingredients are gluten free.
✔️ Higher in calcium: Cream cheese, thickened cream and cheese contribute calcium, an important mineral for healthy bones and teeth.
✔️ Balanced main meal: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for an even more balanced dinner with extra fibre and micronutrients.
✔️ Ideal for meal prep: The creamy sauce reheats well, making this recipe perfect for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.
✔️ For weight management: Serve a moderate portion with a large fresh salad to add extra fibre, vitamins and minerals while increasing the volume of the meal. This can help keep you feeling fuller for longer without altering the recipe.
 
Nutrition Disclaimer: Nutrition values are estimates only and will vary depending on the type and brand of pasta used. If preparing this recipe with regular spaghetti, linguine, gluten-free pasta or a different low-carb pasta, the calories, protein, carbohydrates, fibre, net carbohydrates and sodium may differ accordingly.
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